3 Day Singapore Itinerary

It is common to allow 3 days for you time in Singapore. If that’s what you have done, this 3 day Singapore itinerary is the perfect way to get the most out of your time.

While three days will give you a solid introduction, it won’t be enough to cover everything – you’ll have to save iconic experiences like a day at the Singapore Zoo or sipping a Singapore Sling at Raffles Hotel for your next trip!

I’ve visited Singapore multiple times, and each time I’ve found plenty of new things to do that didn’t make this list, so don’t feel like this itinerary is set in stone.

You can easily adjust it to suit your interests, whether that means including more cultural experiences, adding a day trip, or relaxing on the beach.

The beauty of Singapore is how easy it is to navigate, with world-class attractions never far from each other. I’ve included the nearest MRT station or instructions for getting between attractions if needed.

And let’s not forget the local food! Singapore’s diverse culinary scene is a highlight in itself – from hawker stalls serving authentic local dishes to fine dining restaurants with international flair.

I tend towards hawker food, but you may like to change things up and add in a high-end restaurant for a special occasion (or just because!).

I can’t talk about Singapore without mentioning Changi Airport, with its gardens, art installations, and endless shopping, where you will likely arrive or depart.

But we’re not including that in the three days in Singapore, I am giving you three full days instead.

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Not visiting Singapore for 3 days? You may prefer this 1-day itinerary instead.

Let’s get into it…

3 Days in Singapore

Here are all the details you will need for your 3-day Singapore itinerary – planned especially for first time visitors with a range of cultural, iconic and fun things to do.

Day 1: Marina Bay Icons & Skyline Views

Morning:

• Merlion Park – Snap some photos with Singapore’s iconic statue. Early morning is the best time to come here to avoid the crowds. An early start also means you will have cooler weather to start your day. (Nearest MRT – Raffles Place)
• Walk across the Jubilee Bridge and stroll along the waterfront to Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay. Enjoy the architecture (they look like durians!) and the artsy vibe.
• If you’re not scared of heights, hop on the Singapore Flyer for breathtaking views of the city. This gives a different perspective than looking in the other direction from Marina Bay Sands
• Walk across the Helix Bridge, another great photo opportunity and spectacular views of Marina Bay.
• Explore the lush landscapes of Gardens by the Bay and visit the Flower Dome or Cloud Forest. You can also choose to walk through the tops of the Supertrees or simply find a quiet corner to relax.

Lunch:

• Refuel with satay and other local dishes at the nearby Satay by the Bay, or opt for the many restaurants over in the Marina Bay Sands complex. We tend to go to the food court on the bottom floor for a variety of cheap, tasty options.

Afternoon:

• Wander through The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands for a touch of luxury shopping or just some air-conditioned relief. Enjoy people-watching, and admiring the gondolas and the rain vortex – especially if there is an afternoon downpour. Don’t miss the iconic Apple or Louis Vuitton stores that are over the water.
• Make your way outside to the ArtScience Museum. Enjoy the interactive exhibitions. No need to rush, they’re open until 7 pm each day.

Evening:

• For dinner, choose another of the Marina Bay Sands options. You could even book LAVO on the 57th floor instead of going to the observation deck.
• Catch the Spectra Light & Water Show at Marina Bay, a must-see display of lights, lasers, and water effects. You can also see the Rhapsody Light Show which takes place at Gardens by the Bay.
• End the day with a trip up to the SkyPark Observation Deck or a rooftop bar for panoramic views of the city lights.

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Day 2: Culture, Nature, and Shopping

Morning:

• Breakfast at Tong Ah Eating House – Start your day with Singapore’s famous kaya toast, soft-boiled eggs, and kopi (local coffee) at Tong Ah Eating House. They have been making it here since 1939. (Nearest MRT: Outram Park)
  If the location is not great for you, head to one of the Ya Kun Kaya Toast (where I tend to go all over Singapore) locations instead.
  Another option could be breakfast at Maxwell Food Centre, or one of the other hawker centres in Chinatown.
• Explore Chinatown, visiting the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple, soaking in the vibrant atmosphere of the market stalls and checking out the street art. You could join a free (tips-based) walking tour to learn more.
• Head to Little India (MRT purple line from Chinatown station to Little India station) to admire the colourful buildings and temples, including the house of Tan Teng Niah and the Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple.

Lunch:

• Enjoy a traditional meal at Tekka Centre or try a delicious banana leaf curry at one of Little India’s renowned spots.

Afternoon:

• Stroll through Kampong Glam (MRT blue line from Little India to Bugis), visiting the Sultan Mosque and wandering along trendy Haji Lane with its boutiques and street art.
• Unwind with a walk through the lush Singapore Botanic Gardens (a UNESCO site), including a visit to the stunning National Orchid Garden. Look out for the cheeky otters that surprise me every time I visit.
  
  To get to the Singapore Botanic Gardens there are two options. Which way you go affects how you leave but in reverse.
  1. Catch the MRT blue line from Bugis directly to Botanic Gardens. You will be at the northern gates. Walk through the gardens, exiting at the southern gate. You will then go to the nearby Napier MRT station, catch the brown line to Stevens, and swap to the blue line to get to Newton.
  2. Catch the MRT blue line from Bugis to Stevens, swap to the brown line and get off at Napier. Walk through the gardens from south to north, then get on the MRT blue line at Botanic Gardens and go directly to Newton.

Evening:

• For dinner, head to Newton Food Centre and feast on local delights like satay, oyster omelettes, chicken rice and stingray.
• Hit Orchard Road for some retail therapy – whether window-shopping or diving into Singapore’s famous malls. Everything is open until 10 PM so plenty of time to find a Singapore souvenir. (MRT red line from Newton to Orchard)
• If shopping isn’t your jam, you may prefer to party the night away at Clarke Quay

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Day 3: Sentosa Island OR Adventure & Relaxation

Option 1: Universal Studios Singapore (Full Day)
Morning to Evening:

• Spend the day at Universal Studios Singapore, enjoying the rides, immersive zones, and entertainment. Don’t miss popular attractions like the Battlestar Galactica roller coaster, Transformers 3D ride, and Jurassic Park Rapids Adventure.
• Take breaks at food spots within the park, such as Mel’s Drive-In or StarBot Café.

Evening:

• Take the cable car up to Mount Faber Peak for sunset views.
• Or return to the mainland and enjoy a seafood feast at Jumbo Seafood (chilli crab is a must!).

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Option 2: Explore Sentosa & Relaxation
Morning:

• S.E.A. Aquarium – Start the day exploring one of the world’s largest aquariums, home to over 100,000 marine creatures. We have been to a lot of aquariums worldwide (my husband loves them!) and this is one of the best we have seen.
• If you don’t spend all morning at S.E.A Aquarium, you may like to squeeze in Madam Tussauds or the Trick Eye Museum for some fun.

Lunch:

• Grab a meal at Malaysian Food Street or try a refreshing coconut ice cream at Co+Nut+ink.

Afternoon:

• Relax at Siloso Beach – sunbathe, swim, or try kayaking and paddleboarding. You can take a seat at one of the beach clubs or go it alone on the sand. We enjoyed our time at Coastes Beach Bar & Restaurant. Make a visit to the southernmost point of continental Southeast Asia.
• Or, head to iFly Singapore for some indoor skydiving fun.
• Wrap up your Sentosa adventure with the Luge & Skyride, a thrilling ride down the slopes and a scenic return.

Evening:

• Take the cable car up to Mount Faber Peak for sunset views.
• Or return to the mainland and enjoy a seafood feast at Jumbo Seafood (chilli crab is a must!).

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Itinerary Overview

Download a PDF copy of this outline to keep for future planning.

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Day 1: Marina Bay Icons & Skyline Views

• Morning:
  • Merlion Park
  • Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay
  • Walk across the Helix Bridge
  • Singapore Flyer (optional)
  • Gardens by the Bay
• Lunch:
  • Satay by the Bay or Marina Bay Sands complex
• Afternoon:
  • The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands
  • ArtScience Museum
• Evening:
  • Spectra Light & Water Show
  • SkyPark Observation Deck

Day 2: Culture, Nature, and Shopping

• Morning:
  • Breakfast at Tong Ah Eating House (Kaya toast)
  • Explore Chinatown – Buddha Tooth Relic Temple
  • Visit Little India – Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple
• Lunch:
  • Tekka Centre or banana leaf curry
• Afternoon:
  • Kampong Glam – Sultan Mosque, Haji Lane
  • Singapore Botanic Gardens – National Orchid Garden
• Evening:
  • Dinner at Newton Food Centre
  • Shopping along Orchard Road

Day 3: Sentosa Island OR Universal Studios

Option 1: Full Day at Universal Studios Singapore

• Morning to Evening:
  • Universal Studios Singapore (rides, shows, and attractions)
  • Cable car to Mount Faber and dinner at Jumbo Seafood

Option 2: Explore Sentosa Island & Relax

• Morning:
  • S.E.A. Aquarium
  • Madam Tussaud’s or Trick Eye Museum (optional)
• Lunch:
  • Malaysian Food Street or Co+Nut+ink
• Afternoon:
  • Relax at Siloso Beach / iFly Indoor Skydiving
  • Luge & Skyride
• Evening:
  • Cable car to Mount Faber and dinner at Jumbo Seafood

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Tips for a Smooth Visit to Singapore

Maximise your time in Singapore with these handy tips:

1. Plan Your Transport: Grab an EZ-Link Card for MRT and bus rides. For convenience, use Grab for quicker travel. Some areas, like Marina Bay, are best explored on foot—bring comfy shoes!
2. Beat the Heat: Stay hydrated with a reusable water bottle and take breaks in air-conditioned spots.
3. Optimise Routes: Group nearby attractions. Avoid backtracking by planning with Google Maps.
4. Pack Light: Carry only essentials like water, sunscreen, a small umbrella, and a power bank.
5. Check the Weather: Singapore’s weather is unpredictable, so pack an umbrella and do outdoor activities early to avoid the heat.
6. Enjoy Free Attractions: Balance paid activities with cheap and free ones, like Merlion Park and Marina Bay Promenade. Combine the SkyPark visit with the Spectra light show for a two-in-one experience.
7. Book Key Activities in Advance: Save time by pre-booking. Use Klook to pay in your home currency and save on conversion fees.

For more tips, check out my full list of Singapore travel advice!

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